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A total of 12 ancient objects have been officially returned to Ethiopia after staying by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.

These treasures, originally collected in the 1920s by the German representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This set included crowns, armor and artistic works, each considered as culturally important in the nation.

"The items still represent a mark of the enduring and friendly connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's aim to restore the items was to "showcase their splendor with the audience and preserve the culture and history linked to my parent's beginning."

These items were either presents or buys, as stated by the relatives.

"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively showing their sincere love for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these items and importantly guaranteeing their return to their proper homeland," stated the official.

The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the people for research and scholarly work, terming the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Actions will continue to repatriate historical artifacts that are found in the custody of private persons and organizations throughout the globe," she stated.

During colonialism in Africa, thousands of cultural artefacts were plundered.

The request by African countries for the repatriation of taken items has been responded to by certain progress in recent years - though several objects are just on loan.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering nation to return some of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "complex past."

Similar Subjects

• Cultural Return Efforts in Africa
• This Impact of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures